Chief Systems Engineer Jobs

Explore Chief Systems Engineer (CSE) opportunities for experienced professionals who lead the design, integration, and performance of complex systems. CSEs bring technical teams together, translate mission and business needs into system architectures, and guide programs from concept through deployment. Browse vetted roles on Ladders, including positions paying $100,000 or more.

What Does a Chief Systems Engineer Do?

A Chief Systems Engineer establishes technical direction across a program or organization. Typical responsibilities include defining system requirements and architecture, overseeing system integration, managing technical risks, and ensuring that solutions meet performance, safety, security, and regulatory expectations. CSEs often work across engineering disciplines and serve as a key technical partner to program leaders, customers, and executives.

Industries Hiring Chief Systems Engineers

Chief Systems Engineers are sought in aerospace, defense, national security, software, telecommunications, transportation, energy, and other industries that develop or operate complex, interconnected systems. Job requirements vary by sector and may involve specialized standards, certifications, or experience with particular technologies and mission environments.

Skills and Qualifications

Employers commonly seek extensive systems engineering experience, a record of technical leadership, and the ability to communicate clearly with both engineering teams and senior stakeholders. Relevant strengths may include systems architecture, requirements management, integration and verification, model-based systems engineering, risk management, and lifecycle planning. Many positions require a bachelor's or advanced degree in engineering or a related field; specific education and clearance requirements depend on the role.

Explore CSE Jobs on Ladders

Find Chief Systems Engineer openings that align with your expertise, leadership goals, and preferred industry. Ladders focuses on vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more, helping experienced candidates discover senior-level roles and take the next step in their careers.

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$108K - $145K *

Shape the future of project management as a Senior Cost Manager, driving cost efficiency and strategic decision-making. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance client value and foster strong relatio...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$155K - $205K *

Champion process excellence by optimizing workflows and driving cross-functional improvements. Collaborate with teams to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate service quality throu...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$84K - $124K *

Drive the evolution of Cyber Defense by engineering and automating security operations, enhancing incident response, and maintaining enterprise security platforms to ensure robust protection and swift...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $177K *

Lead the charge in software development across a cross-functional team while ensuring quality and technical excellence. Balance hands-on coding with team leadership to deliver high-value applications...

Ohio, USRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$140K - $215K *

Elevate our cloud infrastructure by developing robust tools for deployment, monitoring, and maintenance. Join a dynamic team of engineers focused on enhancing CI/CD processes and driving developer pro...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $185K *

Tackle strategic opportunities in the autonomous systems market, driving business growth by building relationships with key stakeholders and navigating complex sales cycles to deliver innovative techn...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Advance our network architecture by designing resilient, scalable solutions across core networks and VPN services. Lead automation and AI initiatives to enhance performance, reliability, and operation...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$195K - $325K *

Drive a culture of cyber risk accountability by leading Technology Risk & Compliance initiatives across Global Supply Chain and Operational Technology, ensuring alignment with business needs and regul...

Philadelphia, PARemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$132K - $251K *

Lead the charge in shaping the enterprise data architecture for a multi-year SAP transition, ensuring seamless integration and insightful reporting across systems. Collaborate with stakeholders to def...

RemoteRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and maintain scalable security data pipelines, ensuring accurate telemetry ingestion and compliance with governance standards for enhanced cybersecuri...

Charlotte, NCRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$120K *

Transform the future of healthcare by building innovative backend services and data pipelines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver LLM-powered features and ensure high-quality productio...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Join us to architect and automate cloud-native infrastructures while engaging directly with clients. Leverage your expertise in AI and DevOps to drive strategic solutions that align technology with bu...

Florida, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Design and govern digital payment systems by applying domain-driven principles, building scalable architectures, and innovating with modern technologies. Collaborate across teams to enhance the reliab...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$159K - $219K *

Advance security initiatives by designing, implementing, and embedding robust security practices across AI-driven product development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to safeguard applications...

CanadaRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$131K - $170K *

Lead the charge in enhancing operational performance and client satisfaction across multiple federal contracts while driving innovation through technology modernization and coaching Program Managers t...

Colorado Springs, CORemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$120K - $150K *

Join a team that's redefining the customer experience in utilities by building a seamless, AI-driven self-service platform. You'll lead initiatives to enhance digital interactions, ensuring a proactiv...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $120K *

Deliver exceptional consulting services by managing client implementations, diagnosing technical issues, and providing tailored solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless in...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $230K *

Transform customer experiences by leading technical discovery and implementation for federal clients. Collaborate across teams to deliver cutting-edge autonomous solutions, ensuring successful deploym...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$145K - $195K *

Innovate with a dynamic team to enhance our next-gen CAD Graphics Engine, focusing on 3D modeling and rendering. Leverage your expertise in graphics algorithms and CAD software to drive performance an...

Los Angeles, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Empower security operations and engineering to enhance threat detection, incident response, and prevention. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to scale security measures as the organization grows...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$157K - $298K *

Transform HR technology strategy by leading Workday HCM Core and Security initiatives. Drive governance, optimize processes, and ensure compliance while enhancing user experience and data integrity ac...

Arkansas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Optimize cloud security infrastructure and enhance detection capabilities while investigating and responding to alerts. Contribute to building internal tools to elevate security measures, your experti...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$172K - $202K *

Lead innovative insights and strategies as a Senior Director, driving impactful research and analysis to empower clients in navigating complex market challenges and achieving their business objectives...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$128K - $173K *

Lead the charge in modernizing mission-critical case management systems. Drive operational excellence in a 24/7 support team, ensuring incident response and production stability while fostering Agile...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$86K - $165K *

Unlock potential by driving supplier performance through hands-on diagnostics, assessments, and corrective actions. This role requires collaboration with international suppliers to enhance manufacturi...

New Hampshire, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Chief Systems Engineer do?question toggle

    A Chief Systems Engineer provides technical leadership for complex systems, guiding architecture, requirements, integration, verification, and risk management across a program or organization.

  • What qualifications are typically required for Chief Systems Engineer jobs?question toggle

    Requirements vary, but employers commonly look for substantial systems engineering experience, technical leadership, and a bachelor's or advanced degree in engineering or a related field. Some roles require industry-specific expertise, certifications, or security clearance.

  • Which industries hire Chief Systems Engineers?question toggle

    Common industries include aerospace, defense, national security, software, telecommunications, transportation, and energy, as well as other fields involving complex systems.

  • How much do Chief Systems Engineer jobs pay?question toggle

    Compensation depends on factors such as industry, location, experience, and scope of responsibility. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more.

  • Where can I find Chief Systems Engineer jobs paying $100,000 or more?question toggle

    Browse Chief Systems Engineer listings on Ladders to explore vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more.